Can I start using my membership before I receive my card?

Why do I need to show my photo ID in addition to my membership card?

The
photo ID policy protects you if your card is lost or stolen; it is also a standard
security practice among zoos, aquariums and museums. As a charitable organization that relies on
members and daily museum visitors for support, we need to prevent misuse of our
membership cards. If memberships were shared by families and friends, the museum's
revenue would be substantially reduced and the museum would have to raise
ticket and membership prices to maintain the quality of its services to guests.
As you can see, we have set our membership prices at an intentionally
affordable level to allow North Texas residents
to enjoy the museum on a regular basis.

Can I lend my membership card to a friend or family member?

No.
As mentioned above, this practice would be detrimental to the financial
viability of the museum and abuse like this would drive up costs for museum
guests as it is the equivalent of stealing a ticket from the museum. Thus, as
indicated in our benefits, memberships are nontransferable and are valid only
for the person/s whose name appears on the card.

Is
there reciprocal free admission at other Museums?

Yes.
The Heard Natural Science Museum is a member of the ASTC Travel Passport
Program which allows you free or discounted admissions to more than 250
selected museums worldwide. See astc.org
for more details.

This does not apply to institutions located within a 90 mile radius of the Heard Museum.

Do you have any additional reciprocal general admission agreements with museums for upper
level members?

Yes! We currently have a local reciprocal
agreement with the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Ft. Worth Museum
of Science & History. When you join
at the Road Runner level or above you will be able to visit the Perot
Museum of Nature and Science and the Ft. Worth Museum of Science & History and receive free general admission for the people covered by your membership. This offer is valid for free general admission only. Additional member benefits from reciprocal locations are not conferred to the membership
holder.

I
am a member of another participating ASTC
Passport Museum;
can I get free admission to the Heard Museum?

ASTC
card holders that meet the criteria in the ASTC Policy below will receive the following reciprocal
benefits:

free admission for up to 6 guests

additional guests in your party may
receive our member discounted admission rate

Please check astc.org for the
most current list of passport participants.

ASTC
POLICY – "Based on residence: To receive Travel Passport Program benefits, you must
live more than 90 miles away from the center/museum you wish to visit.
Admissions staff reserves the right to request proof of residence for benefits
to apply."

When
will I receive renewal notices and when does my membership expire?

You
will begin receiving renewal notices two months prior to your expiration date.
As soon as you renew, you will no longer receive notices until the following
renewal cycle. i.e. If a member joins in January, 2012 and renews within their
renewal cycle (which in this case is before the end of January 2013), their
next expiration will be January 2013. If they let their membership lapse and
rejoin in April of 2013, their new expiration date would be in April of 2014.

What
happens if my membership card is lost or stolen?

Complete the Membership Information Update form
to receive a replacement card(s). There
is a $3 administrative fee for each replacement card. You may also pick up and
fill out the form on your next visit; it is available at the admissions desk.

My
name/membership information is not correct on my membership card, I moved to a new address, or I have a new phone
number. How do I change my contact information?

You may also
pick up and fill out the form on your next visit; it is available at the
admissions desk.

I
joined/renewed my membership and I have never received my membership card. What
should I do?

If you do receive your card within 4 weeks of joining, call
or e-mail the Membership office.

I
renewed my membership already, but I am still receiving renewal notices. What
should I do?

Most
of the time this happens when these items cross in the mail; however, if you do not receive your
renewed membership card in the mail within 2-4 weeks of your renewal, please call or e-mail the
membership office.

I
made a donation to the annual fund. Does that cover my membership fee?

Donations
to the annual fund are considered tax-deductible charitable contributions and do not apply to membership fees.

How can I find out about upcoming member events?

Upcoming
events can be found here or by subscribing to our e-mail newsletters.

What discounts do I get in the Heard Museum Nature
Store?

Members
receive 10% off items $1 or more in the Nature Store; new members receive a one
time use only 20% off coupon upon joining for their first purchase on items of
$1 or more.

I'm
interested in upgrading my membership to a higher level. Do I have to wait
until my current membership expires?

No. You can upgrade your
membership anytime during the course of your membership or at
renewal time. Contact the Membership
office for more details.

What happens if I forget to bring
my membership card?

Simply present a valid photo ID at the admissions desk. The admissions staff will
gladly look up your membership information.

What
portion of my membership contribution is tax deductible?

In accordance with
IRS guidelines, the following information outlines the tax-deductible portions
of each of our membership levels. Members must waive some or all of their
membership benefits to claim tax deductibility for the entire cost of the
membership.

Membership
Tax Deduction

Individual and Family Memberships: Under the Internal Revenue Service guidelines for nonprofit museum
memberships, the full amount paid up to $75 is 100% tax deductible.

Roadrunner: Under the Internal Revenue Service guidelines, the estimated value of
the benefits received is $50. The deductible portion of your payment is
$100.

Bobcat: Under the Internal Revenue Service guidelines, the estimated value of
the benefits received is $150. The deductible portion of your payment is
$350.

Red-Tailed Hawk: Under the Internal Revenue guidelines, the
estimated value of the benefits received is $300. The deductible portion
of your payment is $1200.

Golden Eagle (Lifetime): Under the Internal Revenue guidelines, the
estimated value of the benefits received is $250. The deductible portion of your payment is
$2250.

How often may I visit the Heard Natural Science museum as
a member?

Members
may visit as often as they like during normal business hours each membership year
free of charge, but may be required to pay fees for special events, festivals, and
education programs. In addition to free
admission, members have the opportunity to attend free exhibition previews and
viewing events throughout the year, as well as purchase discounted tickets to a
variety of programming events.

Can I bring a guest to the museum with my membership?

Members
receive a $1 discount on every guest admission that they purchase. You can also sign up at the Road Runner level
and above and receive five single day guest passes with your membership. See benefit levels for specific details.

Can I use my membership to get my child into the Heard for free on his/her school/daycare field trip?

No. School/Day
Care sponsored field trips, education programs, labs, etc. are special fee programs
not included in the free general admission you receive as a member. You will be required to pay the full program
fee for your child and for yourself if you are chaperoning.

Can I bring a guest to the Members-Only Plant Sale Preview event?

Because
this special member’s only preview is designed to help us gain members, we do
not allow guests, but ask that you encourage your friends and neighbors to
become members of the Heard
Museum and join you on
these special nights to get the best Native Texas plants for your home.

As members, can we walk the trails even when the museum is closed?

No. Due
to safety and security reasons, we ask that you only walk the trails during
open business hours or during special events, as designated.

Can I purchase store items with my member discount
for friends or guests?

Discounts
are a privilege extended to our members only; therefore, discounts are not
transferable.

Are membership fees refundable?

No.
Membership fees are not refundable.

Are there other giving opportunities?

Yes! You can make tax-deductible charitable
contributions to the Heard, see our website for the various ways you can give
or call the museum and let us know how you want to help further our mission of
“bringing nature and people together!”

Does my membership help the Museum in any way?

Yes,
memberships provide much needed income to enhance this not-for-profit
organization. Once your membership funds
are received, they immediately begin working to enhance museum services for
members and visitors. For this reason,
we are unable to refund membership dollars.